Language Equity

A review and summary of Rural Health Scholar research that addresses issues of language equity on Martha's Vineyard.

Language Barriers

  • Language barriers exist around the services available on Island and at the mainstream grocery stores (Stop and Shop),  2012 RHS Presentation 
  • There is no Portuguese-speaking dentist on the Island,  2013 RHS Presentation 
  • People whose second language is English are more likely to experience elder abuse,  2014 RHS Presentation 
  • 11% of Family Planning users are not proficient in English,  2017 RHS Presentation 
  • More efforts need to be made to spread messages about inclusivity and accessibility in Brazilian Portuguese and other languages (also consider our summer visitors from outside the US)
  • There is a language barrier for immigrant children navigating all the programs MVRHS has to offer,  2021 RHS Presentation 
    • Less societal engagement
    • Less ability to attend an English-speaking college
    • Especially difficult for those who arrive in their teen years

Scholar Recommendations


Summary of the Community's response so far Many if not all health care organizations on the Island are actively recruiting bilingual providers and staff. Housing is cited as a major barrier to hiring qualified staff.

The Community Ambassador Program (CAP) often works on projects realted to sharing healthcare information in Brazilian Portuguese and other languages as needed. This work includes pamphlets, webpages, videos, etc.

(Updated 6.17.2022)


Interpreter Services

Scholar Observations

  • Brazilian population expressed frustration with the MVH phone interpreter service,  2017 RHS Presentation 
    • A survey of interpreters (2012 and likely national) revealed interpretation is sufficient for relaying basic information back and forth, but not for relaying personal details of a medical visit,  2017 RHS Presentation 

Scholar Recommendations

  • Recommended that the suggested senior hot line also be accessible in terms of language,  2013 RHS Presentation 
  • Recommended incorporate medical interpreters into mental health screening sessions,  2017 RHS Presentation 
  • Recommended making interpreters available at school events and school sexual education sessions, especially those open to parents,  2017 RHS Presentation 
  • Recommended connecting the interpreter training program to the Adult Learning Center and MVH (for greater cultural integration in services and food resources),  2020 RHS Presentation 

Summary of the Commuity's response so far

No updates to share at this time.

(Updated 6.17.2022)